Olympic-calibre cycling training unveiled in Victoria
Posted October 26, 2013 4:31 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VICTORIA (NEWS1130) – A new program based in Victoria has been launched to propel more cyclists onto the Olympic podium.
It’s called the Cycling Talent Development Program and the first recruits will be starting their training in the next couple of weeks.
Teenagers selected for the training were identified at a talent camp.
Richard Wooles, with Cycling BC, says not all of them are experts on two wheels.
“They don’t have to come from cycling backgrounds. At this stage, we’re looking for people who have the ability and we’re looking for people who could go on to the Olympics. Perhaps not the next summer Olympics, but maybe in six or ten years’ time,” he says.
The program is meant to direct the athletes’ potential.
“We’re really hoping that this system will enable athletes to train for the future, so that they know where to go to get to the next level. The sport of cycling is on a huge swing upwards. A lot of people are interested in cycling at the moment.”
The goal is to provide world class training for students who are still attending high school. Not all of the athletes will be living in Victoria. Wooles points out the programs are tailored to both local competitors and those that can drop in on weekends.
The program will offer mentoring in a wide range of cycling events: from BMX to track to long-distance.
